The Lichfield Garrick’s annual Christmas pantomime has begun its festive run, and this year, it's Jack and the Beanstalk! Starring Sam Rabone, in their ninth season at the venue, playing Dame Trott, Ben Thornton back again as Billy, and Gill Jordan (previously known as their Black Country character, Doreen Tipton) as Fairy Sugarsnap, the show is a lot of fun and, with a little bit more tightening up and magic, this pantomime could reach the heights of the beanstalk!
There’s a special charm about the Garrick panto, with lots of local jokes and a fantastic rapport built between the audience and actors onstage, which is really what a pantomime thrives on, and so it’s great that this is present in abundance here! Written by Paul Hendy, more weight than is typically seen in pantos is thrown behind the story lending a more traditional atmosphere which is welcome, and the use of climate change in the plot of the pantomime is ingenious, offering an innovative introduction to the topic in a fun way, however, a more conjunct flow between scenes would better help link it all together.
The script is full of brilliant quips and amusing comedy, with the physical comedy quite well directed by Daniel Buckroyd as the show’s director, and the ghost bench sequence always goes down a treat (never have I seen such an enthusiastic audience)! A handful more laugh-out-loud moments wouldn’t go amiss and the momentum of the laughs definitely slows down in the latter part of act two.
‘A Musical’ from the musical Something Rotten, changed to ‘A Pantomime’ is a wonderful opening, with Kayleigh Dettmer’s choreography featuring a kick-line! Despite this, the songs struggle to make an impact after here. There’s creative choices (‘Car Wash’ becomes ‘Cow Wash’), but Dettmer’s choreography doesn’t pop as much as it does initially and Kyle Allan’s sound design makes it difficult to make out all of the lyrics, but the balance is great during the dialogue moments of the production.
Helga Wood and Michelle Marden’s set looks great and does the job, the Cloudland set being a particular standout, and they are excitingly lit by Barry Smith, but a few extra details around the stage would help create a fuller image.
Rabone shines as Dame Trott. Their entire characterisation and personality is perfect and effortless, and the audience feel in very safe hands with them as their dame. In addition to having great comedic chops alone, their chemistry with Thornton is another winning component. They bounce off each other incredibly well, and the ability they both have to conjure up jokes on the spot demonstrates their shared talent when working not just to a script. Thornton is a great presence onstage, however, there are times when they come across as slightly uncomfortable or unnatural.
Becky Sanneh gives an adequate performance as Jack, however, as in all pantomimes, the hero is never the one with the greatest material! Gill Jordan is a lovely addition to the cast as Fairy Sugarsnap, working well with Rabone and Thornton in act two, though has space to bring more energy and animation to their character when alone. Joe Feeney plays the villain this year, ‘Luke Backinanger’, the giant’s henchman. Feeney’s performance is high camp, but unfortunately, they seem incredibly uncomfortable. Rounding out the principal cast is Clarice Julianda as Dave the Talking Cow, who gives a highly engaging performance, if not one slightly too energetic at times, and their costume is certainly one of the best, designed by Ella Neal and Amy Chamberlain (Rabone’s assortment, by Machael J Batchelor, being close competition)!
Overall, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Lichfield Garrick is a joyous way to spend time with your family this festive season!
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Lichfield Garrick until 12th January 2025 - for tickets and more information, you can follow the link here.
★★★ (3*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Steve Gregson
Comentarios